"Remembering the Past and Enhancing the Future" was the theme of the annual Black History Month celebration held at Paul Knox Middle School last week.

James Gallman, a retired educator and administrator for 33 years in the Aiken County public schools, served as the guest speaker and shared with students the importance of learning from the past and enhancing the future through education. He shared some moments in his past that helped shape and mold him into the person he is today.

Gallman noted in 1969 he was the first African-American to earn and receive a master's in mathematics from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn. He challenged each student to take the time to read every day and assured them that this, along with a can-do attitude, would allow them to reach every goal they set for themselves.

The program was organized by Helen Richard, career specialist at Paul Knox.

Dr. Lloydette Young welcomed the gathering, while soloist Gayleshia Bryant and the North Augusta High School honor chorale, under the direction of Kevin Piner, provided the music.

Eighth-grader Alicia Robinson read an original poem for the occasion. Bianca Baxter and Breanna Hightower entertained with a praise dance. John Monahan introduced the speaker. Also participating in the program was teacher Pat Sumerau.

Richard said, "There is a quote by Lynn Swann that says, 'This being Black History Month, I would like to ask people to celebrate the similarities and not focus on the differences between people of color and not of color,' and on Tuesday, Feb. 23, Paul Knox Middle did just that."